SCO Celebrates 25 Years: A Divided Alliance

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) celebrated its 25th anniversary on September 1 in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, with a gathering of 21 heads of state. The event featured a ceremonial family photo and the signing of the Bishkek Declaration, which included 28 agreements focusing on multilateral partnerships, particularly in nuclear safety and security. However, while the SCO represents a significant portion of the global population and GDP, its effectiveness as a cohesive bloc remains questionable.

Historically, the SCO has functioned primarily as a forum for bilateral discussions rather than a platform for collective decision-making. Over its 25 years, it has not evolved into a body capable of resolving disputes among its members, which limits its potential impact on regional and global issues. Instead, it has often served as a venue for powerful nations to negotiate deals and assert their national interests, frequently through public statements aimed at domestic audiences.

During the summit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the issue of terrorism, indirectly targeting Pakistan without naming it. He emphasized the need to eliminate the ecosystem supporting terrorism, a statement that resonated with India's longstanding concerns regarding Pakistan's alleged support for terrorist groups. Modi's remarks also included a call for respect for national sovereignty, which served as a subtle critique of Russia's actions in Ukraine and China's Belt and Road Initiative through contested territories.

The dynamics at the summit illustrated the divergent priorities of the three leading nations within the SCO. Modi's pointed comments were juxtaposed against Russian President Vladimir Putin's attempts to garner support amid international isolation due to the ICC arrest warrant against him. Putin's extensive bilateral meetings during the summit, including with Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, highlighted his need for alliances, yet they did not translate into a unified stance within the SCO framework.

As the SCO moves forward, the challenge remains for its leaders to reconcile their differing agendas. The summit underscored that while the SCO can facilitate bilateral agreements and showcase solidarity, it has not yet become a platform for collective action. The upcoming Brics summit in New Delhi on September 12 may further illustrate the shifting dynamics among these nations, as they continue to navigate their individual interests within a complex geopolitical landscape.